We have years of experience training Poodles with gentle methods and positive reinforcement. Poodles love to work and we love to teach them.

Independence with Curls

American Poodles At Work, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit organization primarily dedicated to the training and placement of Service Dogs (for mobility assistance) with their human partners.

Custom Placement

We match Teams based on a thorough analysis of compatability:

- Physical ability

- Strength of tasks

- Personality

HypoAllergenic Assistance Dogs

APAW exclusively breeds, trains and places HypoAllergenic Poodles as Assistance Dogs to help people with disabilities lead more independent lives.

APAW is a small, young program based in Massachusetts. Our placement range is local and we require our recipients to participate in group training activities as well as events.

As an unobtrusive helpmate, an APAW Assistance Dog provides valuable support all day, everyday, for their partner with physical or psychological challenges. We also train Social/Therapy Dogs to work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, court rooms, etc, and the occasional Search Dog to locate missing individuals.

With each APAW litter, we place some of the pups in working or performance homes, based on temperament evaluation. We also sometimes have young adult Working Candidates available to homes that wish to finish specialized training for any career. Dogs which don’t quite meet our standards for assistance work are available as wonderful companions. Contact us for information regarding upcoming litters or adoptable older pups/adults.

"This boy loves his dog, and this dog loves his boy. I can't even begin to tell you the bond/therapeutic rapport Everest brings to our family. This picture was made possible by Everest, because without him, there wouldn't have been a picture. Sitting still for any length of time brings on anxiety in my boy, but Everest made all the difference. He brings a new sense of "calm" for our son, and for that... I am for ever grateful. Thank you APAW." -- Jill Ricardo, Mom of APAW Pup Recipient

"I am very grateful for the APAW program. The passion to raise and train working dogs is palpable throughout the program. The commitment from the volunteers, the board of directors and the director is exemplary. The dogs are so loving and well trained. My Service Dog, Schubert has improved my quality of life. Thank you APAW." -- Joan BeJune

"I received my Service Dog 'Comrade' from APAW in February of 2015 and he is a life changer!" -- Marc Fucarile, Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor

"My confidence has increased with [my APAW Dog]. I joined a choir, walking into a room full of people I didn't know. I joined a wind symphony, also walking into a room full of more people I didn't know. I talk about her to anyone who will listen. I go on walks with her, alone, in the middle of the country or woods, and I feel safe. I can sleep without the lights on. I don't have to worry that the fire alarm will go off and I won't wake to it. I am no longer afraid of someone breaking into my apartment to harm me and me not knowing until it is too late. I am not afraid when I come home that someone is hiding in the closet to hurt me. [My APAW Dog] would know and she would let me know. She would never hurt anyone, she'd be more apt to lick them to death, but for me the key part is she alerts me to whether the environment is safe or not." -- APAW Dog Recipient

Currently Accepting Clients

APAW is accepting clients who meet all of the following criteria:

Are legally disabled (under the ADA)

Require a Poodle due to allergies or strong personal preference

Sufficiently demonstrate the ability to care for and handle a dog on your own (exceptions for children/facilitated teams)

Live close enough for frequent visits to APAW

Are committed to attending on-going group training sessions at APAW

Understand that getting an Assistance Dog is not about “Getting the dog you want” – it is about “Getting the dog you need.”

Roles which APAW currently provides:

Service Dogs for physical limitations

Psychiatric Service Dogs for mental health

Autism Service Dogs for children on the spectrum

Social/Therapy Dogs for work in a therapeutic capacity

Working Candidates to raise and train for your specific needs (young dogs are sometimes placed outside of our area)

As our organization grows, we plan to broaden our geographic range as well as increase the number of roles we train for.

Assistance Dogs

Social / Therapy Dogs

Dogs In Training

Adoptable Dogs

Please consider making a Donation

As a non-profit organization, APAW relies on the generosity of people like you. Your donation helps us provide amazing dogs for incredible people.